The 2025 Categories
Woman of the Year (Overall)
The highest honour: Awarded to the nominee who has made the most outstanding contribution across any field over the past year.
This prestigious award honours an extraordinary woman who has made a significant and lasting impact across multiple areas of society, including but not limited to leadership, advocacy, innovation, community service, the arts, or business. She exemplifies excellence, integrity, and resilience, serving as an inspiration to others through her achievements, influence, and commitment to creating positive change. The recipient stands out not only for her accomplishments over the past year but also for her ongoing dedication to empowering others and shaping a better future.
Business Woman of the Year
For women leading in senior roles with measurable business or organisational impact.
This award honours a remarkable woman who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision, and success in the world of business. Whether as an entrepreneur, executive, or industry leader, she has achieved significant results, driven growth, and fostered innovation within her organisation or sector. Her achievements reflect resilience, integrity, and a commitment to empowering others, making her a role model for aspiring professionals and a driving force in the business community.
Media Woman of the Year
For leadership, journalism, or content creation that has shaped narratives or exposed truth.
This award recognises a dynamic woman who has made a significant impact in the media industry, whether through journalism, broadcasting, digital media, publishing, or content creation. She demonstrates excellence in storytelling, communication, and influence, using her platform to inform, inspire, and drive meaningful conversations. Her work embodies integrity, creativity, and leadership, and she plays a vital role in shaping public dialogue and promoting diverse voices in media.
Art & Design Woman of the Year
For notable achievements in visual arts, design, or creative direction.
This award honours a visionary woman who has made an outstanding impact in the fields of visual art, design, or creative direction. Whether through fine art, graphic design, architecture, or other creative disciplines, she demonstrates exceptional talent, originality, and a strong aesthetic voice. Her work challenges conventions, evokes emotion, and contributes to cultural dialogue. Through her creativity and influence, she not only advances her field but also inspires others to see and shape the world in new and meaningful ways.
Music Woman of the Year
An award recognising a female artist, producer, or music industry leader who has demonstrated exceptional talent, influence, and impact in the field of music over the past year. This individual has achieved notable artistic success, inspired audiences, and contributed meaningfully to the evolution or promotion of music within their community or on a broader scale.
International Woman of the Year
For global impact or representation of women across borders.
This prestigious award honors a remarkable woman whose influence and achievements have had a significant global impact. Through her work across borders, whether in diplomacy, humanitarian efforts, business, arts, advocacy, or innovation, she promotes international collaboration, cultural understanding, and positive change. She exemplifies leadership, resilience, and vision on the world stage, and her contributions inspire and empower communities worldwide. As a global trailblazer, she represents the very best of international excellence and female leadership.
Special Recognition Award
For achievements that don’t fit traditional categories but deserve a spotlight.
This award honors an extraordinary woman whose unique contributions, resilience, or impact do not fall within a single category but deserve exceptional acknowledgment. Whether through overcoming adversity, lifelong service, behind-the-scenes influence, or a transformative one-time achievement, she embodies strength, courage, and commitment to making a difference. Her story stands as a powerful testament to the diverse and profound ways women lead, uplift others, and shape a better future. This award celebrates her outstanding legacy and the inspiration she brings to all.
STEM Woman of the Year
For excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
This award celebrates a woman who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, leadership, and innovation in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. She is recognised for her groundbreaking work, dedication to advancing knowledge and technology, and her efforts to inspire and empower others—especially women and girls—in STEM. Through her contributions, she exemplifies excellence, drives progress, and helps shape a more inclusive and forward-thinking scientific community.
Entrepreneur of the Year
For starting or growing a business that made a significant impact this year.
This award celebrates an outstanding woman who has founded, built, or significantly grown a business through innovation, determination, and leadership. She embodies entrepreneurial spirit, demonstrating resilience, creativity, and a clear vision for success. Her accomplishments have not only advanced her business but also contributed positively to her industry or community.
Film & Drama Woman of the Year
For outstanding performance or production in film, television, or theatre.
This award honours a remarkable woman who has made a powerful impact in the world of film, television, or theatre—whether as an actor, director, writer, producer, or creative visionary. She demonstrates artistic excellence, originality, and storytelling that captivates audiences and elevates the craft. Her work not only entertains but also challenges, inspires, or brings greater understanding to important social and cultural issues. Through her talent and dedication, she contributes meaningfully to the evolution of film and drama and serves as a role model in the industry.
Woman of the Year, Fashion
This award recognises an exceptional woman who has made a significant impact in the fashion industry through design, innovation, entrepreneurship, or creative direction. Whether as a designer, stylist, or brand leader, she embodies style, originality, and vision. Her work not only sets trends but also reflects cultural relevance, sustainability, or social influence. She is a trailblazer who inspires confidence, champions individuality, and shapes the future of fashion with purpose and creativity.
Catalyst for Change Award
For driving significant change in policy, awareness, or activism.
This award honors a bold and inspiring woman who has been a powerful force for social, cultural, or systemic change. Through advocacy, activism, leadership, or innovation, she challenges injustice, amplifies marginalized voices, and drives meaningful progress in her community or beyond. Her courage, vision, and impact spark transformation and empower others to take action. As a true catalyst for change, she is redefining what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, and conviction.
Women’s Health Advocate of the Year
For advancing health equity, awareness, or breakthroughs in women’s healthcare. This award honours a passionate and impactful woman who has championed the health and well-being of women through advocacy, education, research, community engagement or the creation of new health products or systems. She works to raise awareness, break stigmas, improve access to care, and promote policies that support women’s physical, mental, and reproductive health. Whether through professional expertise or lived experience, she is a trusted voice and tireless advocate who empowers others and drives meaningful change in the landscape of women’s health.
Innovation Woman of the Year
For breakthroughs in technology, product development, or process innovation.
This award recognises a visionary woman who has introduced groundbreaking ideas, solutions, or technologies that have transformed her field or community. She exemplifies creativity, forward-thinking, and bold leadership, using innovation to solve real-world problems or drive meaningful progress. Her work not only demonstrates originality and impact but also inspires others to challenge the status quo and pursue inventive approaches to change.
Social Entrepreneur of the Year
For launching or scaling ventures addressing social, environmental, or equity issues.
This award honours a visionary woman who has founded or led a mission-driven venture that creates a positive social or environmental impact. Through innovative thinking and sustainable solutions, she addresses pressing challenges in areas such as education, health, equity, environment, or community development. Her leadership combines entrepreneurial acumen with a deep commitment to social change, making her a catalyst for progress and an inspiration to others working for a better world.
Literature Woman of the Year
For powerful storytelling, publishing success, or contributions to literature.
This award celebrates a distinguished woman who has made a significant contribution to the world of literature through her writing, storytelling, or literary advocacy. Whether as a novelist, poet, playwright, or non-fiction writer, she demonstrates exceptional literary talent, originality, and depth. Her work resonates with readers, sparks important conversations, and enriches the cultural and intellectual landscape. Through her voice and vision, she inspires others and advances the power of literature as a force for expression, understanding, and change.
Entertainment Woman of the Year
For comedy, performance, or media influence over the past year.
This award honours a dynamic woman who has made a significant and influential contribution to the entertainment industry over the past year. Whether through film, television, comedy, performance, or digital platforms, she captivates audiences with her talent, creativity, and presence. Her work not only entertains but also inspires, breaks boundaries, and elevates representation within the industry. As a cultural force, she sets new standards for excellence and uses her platform to spark conversation, joy, and change.
Public Life Woman of the Year
For excellence in politics, diplomacy, civil service, or legal advocacy.
This award recognises a woman who has made a significant impact in public life through her work in politics, civil service, law, community leadership, or public policy. She exemplifies integrity, dedication, and leadership in serving the public good. Her actions have contributed to shaping society, influencing policy, or improving civic life, often in the face of great challenges. Through her service, advocacy, or governance, she is a role model committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of others.
Sport Woman of the Year
For outstanding performance, leadership, or advocacy in sports.
This award honours an exceptional woman who has made a transformative impact in sport—whether as an athlete, coach or advocate. She demonstrates excellence in performance and leadership, embodies integrity and resilience, and uses her platform to advance equality, inclusion, and participation in sport. Her achievements over the past year (and sustained contribution beyond it) inspire communities, elevate the profile of women’s sport, and create lasting positive change on and off the field.